Question: I am wondering if there is any information on greenhouse gardening in Maine specifically a planting schedule for later harvest. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant Greenhouse gardening in Maine is a broad topic, ranging from backyard cold frames to huge commercial operations. Because this is our home horticulture site, I’m assuming you are looking for information on […]
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Question: I was wondering if you can tell me when and how to trim my hedge row of arborvitae? I need to cut off about six to eight feet off the height of this hedge row. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant Arborvitae can be topped, but you do run the risk of leaving some […]
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Question: The former owners of our home had planted many Rosa rugosa plants, which faces southeast and gets plenty of sun. I’d like to replace these with more interesting plants and would love your suggestions. Maybe SHORT height hydrangea, some evergreens, peonies? I’d like it to be attractive through all seasons, and low maintenance. Answer: […]
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Question: I have five blueberries that I planted last year and this year. The leaves are red/yellow and falling off. They have been like this since early summer. Any thoughts? Do I need to make the soil more acidic? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you know, blueberries are deciduous plants (meaning they shed […]
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Question: We just acquired property with three old apple trees that have not been taken care of in years. We are looking for someone to come help us prune the trees and teach us how to care for them. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant While the Cooperative Extension does not have the resources to […]
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Question: I have a large area of rosa rugosa in the yard of the house I moved to last year. We would really like to remove/kill it so that it does not continue to take over the rest of the yard and plantings. The area is around 100 feet by 20 ft currently, so digging […]
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Question: I had a huge white multiflora wild rose bush. I’ve cut it back moderately several times but now it looks awful. It is misshapen and has several dead branches underneath. I actually love these bushes, but just don’t want it to take over my garden. Any advice on what pruning, etc. that I should do […]
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Question: I am starting a garden in a new area. All we have done is bush hogged the area. My question is what is my next step? Should I get it harrowed? I want to be able to dump rabbit manure on the area over the winter to help build up the soil. Answer: Lynne […]
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In This Issue: October Is the Month to . . . How to Have Your Own Cranberry Garden Ask the Expert Q&A Featured Recipe: Turkey Apple Sausage Patties Jumping Worms are here in Maine. Here’s what to do if you find them in your garden. Maine Weather and Climate Overview (October) October Is the Month […]
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Question: When should I start picking Bartlett pears? Moonglow pears? I know they ripen off the tree. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant As you noted, pears do complete their ripening process off the tree–in fact, because they ripen from the inside out, if they are left on the tree they can often have quite […]
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